You have probably heard of spyware before, but it isn’t a term that many people know it’s meaning. We all know it’s a bad thing, but it’s important you understand what spyware is and why it has gotten such a bad rap.

Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause “malicious” activity – some examples of this are:

1) Sniff out personal data and pass it on to the programmer of the spyware. There have been many cases where even financial data have been compromised.

2) Install additional or unwanted computer programs causing the computer to perform well below par.

3) Automatically make your web browser take you to websites that have other harmful files such as viruses or other forms of spyware.

4) Change computer settings to create holes in your system that will be used to attack it when required.

I could make the list a lot longer, but you get the point – spyware is a pain in the ‘you know what’!

Spyware is also notorious for slowing down your computer’s performance and creating all sorts of pop-ups or annoying ads when you are online.

How does Spyware get into a computer?

Spyware is always introduced into a computer through deceptive means, and the user will have no clue when this infiltration happens. Here are some instances of how Spyware can enter your system:

1) Download programs that offer movie or music downloads. These are often offer for free and will automatically install spyware on your system.

2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such “utility” programs are loaded with Spyware.

3) Another method used by Spyware developers is to mimic the operating system’s messages so that you click on them. When you click on them the Spyware gets installed.

If you are using MS windows, you might get a popup with a message that looks like it’s from your operating system, however when you click on it you end up installing some form of spyware.

How can you tell if there’s Spyware on your computer?

Spyware creates a huge volume of unwanted activity on a computer, causing it to slow down or even crash. Spyware also slows down browsing speeds as it keeps accessing advertisement websites or passing out the user’s data to hackers or other advertisers. If your computer runs slower than it used to or you seem to be getting more advertisements, you like have some spyware on your computer.

Many people notice that there computer is running slower than usual and they just assume it’s a hardware issue, however spyware is often the culprit.

If you haven’t been paying attention to spyware, you must start doing something about it starting today!

It is estimated that over 90% of computers are infected with spyware – it’s next to impossible not to pick something up if you are connected to the internet. You need to make sure you are using a quality anti-spyware program so that your computer and personal information is protected.

Look for a spyware remover that has received positive reviews and that can remove any spyware that is already on your system (along with protecting against new infections). You want a program that scans your computer for any current spyware, kills off anything it finds and then provides protection against future spyware.

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